The length of the campaign is controversial because it more than doubles the election spending cap. Instead of $25 million for a 37-day campaign, parties can now spend $52.7 million. That helps the Conservatives, who are richer than the other parties.

Harper brushed this off, pointing out the election call means parties have to start spending their own money instead of parliamentary budgets funded by the taxpayers.

That's true, though taxpayers will be subsidizing 50% of each party's election costs.

Harper focused heavily on the tumultuous global economy in his speech. He argued it's too risky to put the Canadian economy in the hands of the inexperienced opposition parties. The "not worth the risk" strategy has worked well with Harper in the past.

He also hit on the terrorist group ISIS, which he said poses a direct threat to Canada. Those topics, the economy and security, will likely be the main tentpoles of the Conservative campaign.

“A national election is not a popularity contest," he said.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair spoke afterwards, accusing Stephen Harper of having the worst economic record since the 1960s.

Mulcair promised a national childcare program and attacked Harper for fighting First Nations groups in court.

He also said he has experience making tough choices as a cabinet minister in the Quebec government to try to counter Harper's argument the NDP is economically risky. With the country falling back into recession, every politician wants to be seen as the best economic manager.

Trudeau, who was in transit, did not speak.

The parties have a long summer ahead of them, and the first debate is this Thursday. In the meantime, the first terrible, crippling mistake has already been made